Day Care or Not?

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

There is a Puppy Creche just around the corner from my cottage and I was thinking that my new Puppy would benefit from it a couple of days a week.  Seeing some posts about dogs picking up all sorts of bugs from other dogs I'm now having second thoughts and wonder if I should employ a dog sitter/walker for those times instead.  I had wanted the puppy to have lots of 'safe' doggy friends but I think maybe I will have to be a little more selective about this idea.  Any thoughts on this subject would be welcome.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I really think it can be great as long as you screen the Daycare.  I take my guys there a few times a month, and they seem to love it.  The Daycare I use does a screening of all dogs prior to allowing them to attend, and they have several workers who walk around and monitor the dogs at all times.   They get to go outside several times during the day, and they get a two hour nap in the middle of the day.  There is a video camera, so you can watch your dog from the lobby.  It is very clean...even smells good.  I do agree that there is some risk that your dog could pick up illnesses from other dogs...very similar to daycare for children.  That has not happened with my guys, although my "mini Dood" has had some diarrhea episodes after daycare probably from overstimulation..

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

As long as you screen the daycare first and maybe get some feedback from other owners that take their dogs there, I think daycare is wonderful. Peri goes once a week and has best friends there.  She comes hope happy and tired.  It is great for socialization. Just wait until your puppy is fully vaccinated.  Peri started going at 4-5 months.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Well, I think on balance I will give it a go. The one near me definitely is very strict on shots being up to date including Kennel Cough. The place isn't the most gorgeous looking but I have seen them with the dogs and they are very kind and it is clean. There's a great park just nearby and they take them out twice during the day and also there is a place to nap. I will wait until the puppy is at least four to five months old and before we go to creche I will start at Puppy Classes which are in the same place and see how that goes. Here it costs €15 a day so not much different to you guys by all accounts and I am planning on once or twice a week which I'm budgeting for. One thing I am planning on is Pet Insurance Whole Life cover as an absolute must. I have had it for two of my dogs and so far 'touch wood' haven't had to use it. I'm hoping this puppy is as healthy as his/her parents. At the moment I'm reading and rereading Gwen Bailey's Training Books. Thank you everyone who has contributed to this debate. I am very grateful.